Port Vale goalkeeper Ryan Boot delighted to be back ahead of trip to Barnet

Port Vale goalkeeper Ryan Boot is delighted to be back between the sticks as the Vale head to Barnet for a relegation six-pointer tonight.

Neil Aspin’s men sit 22nd in the Sky Bet League Two table and a victory at the Hive Stadium would see the Valiants move up five places to 17th in the league table.

The 23-year-old youth team graduate has played Vale’s last three games against Swindon, Newport County and Grimsby after having a short spell on the bench.

Boot said: “I’m very happy and it probably has done me some good being taken out of the side.
“I’ve managed to work hard and managed to get myself back in the team again so obviously I’ve got to keep my place in the side.”

Being dropped by the former Port Vale first teamer certainly gave the goalkeeper food for thought.

He said: “It’s been weird for me because it’s the first time that it has happened to me so it’s a confidence thing,
but sometimes I’ve thought what have I done wrong? This, that or the other.

“I’ve continued to work hard and managed to get myself back into the side.

“I feel it’s more experience for sure and also [I feel] more confident for sure.”

Vale were so close to taking all three points at Grimsby at the weekend, taking an early lead through David Worrell as well as missing a penalty through Michael Tounge.

However, in the 91st minute, Grimsby equalised to take a share of the points.

Boot knows that a victory in North London can change the whole mood within the camp.

He said: “A win can change everything; it can change for weeks to come as you take confidence into different games.
“So hopefully we can get the three points at Barnet.

“A clean sheet is your starting point but three points is more important.”